One of the most—if not the most—iconic aspects of the modern wedding ceremony is the bridal dress. However, weddings aren’t just about one person, but rather, the new couple and even those they’ve invited to celebrate with them. Similarly, the wedding aesthetic isn’t just about the dress: it’s how everything from shoes and hairstyles to jewelry and accessories all work together to create one beautiful, cohesive ensemble. The same goes for the ceremony and reception—how decor, food, and the people present create one unforgettable experience. So, here are some of the things brides should keep in mind when assembling their perfect day, along with expected wedding trends for the new year.
Personal Pieces
First, of course, comes the bridal look. While the bride’s ensemble remains an important and meaningful part of the wedding, it can be helpful to piece together your plans for yourself first, before delving too deeply into your plans for the overall event. You have the most control over yourself, after all, so why not start there?
Veils and other headwear are part of this. Traditional veils offer a sense of stability and security, especially in regards to tradition. However, a different type of veil is making a comeback this year: the Juliet cap. This veil named after the popular Shakespeare character features more of a dainty cap style that rests on top of the head, and may be accented with anything from lace to light metals to florals. It’s a perfect option for brides seeking a more vintage or whimsical aesthetic. Another popular choice is the hooded veil. As the name implies, this style drapes like a hood, often attached at the neckline and/or the crown of the head.
Some variants even drape past the shoulders and down one’s sides, making it appear like a cape or a hooded cloak. For brides seeking a more gothic or mysterious look, it’s a style worth looking at.
But what lies beneath the veil? Makeup is another important aspect to consider, and this year’s trends don’t disappoint. Whether you want to show off your natural beauty and refreshed, hydrated skin or focus on warmer tones, whether you want to re-embrace the ‘90s and early 2000s with winged eyeliner: natural, bold, classy—there’s a style for everyone. Whatever you choose, it should fit you and the rest of your ensemble.
Speaking of walking down aisles, the bridal bouquet is yet another staple of the traditional wedding. And, like this year’s makeup trends, floral trends also vary from native and in-season flowers to more tropical, bold-colored blooms. However, it’s not just the flowers that are the subject of discussion: the structure of the bouquet itself is seeing changes, as well. Case in point, the bouquet bag. Also known as a floral bag, this type of bouquet involves tying and modeling live flowers into the shape of a purse. In that sense, they make a great double as both a formal bouquet with a twist and a vibrant accessory.
As for other accessories, their trends are once again similar to the overall direction of the bridal look: large and bold pieces like rings and earrings, excellent for those who wish to stand out; vintage or heirloom jewelry for that antique touch, or to keep family close at heart; or custom or limited edition pieces that are just as special as your day. Statement or sentimental pieces thrive in today’s wedding culture.
Now, with everything from hair to shoes in play at once, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Where do you even start when trying to put everything together? How will you know if everything you chose will look (and feel) good together? One place to start is with what you know. Opting for too many things you’re unfamiliar with can add stress, and it can distract you from taking in the moment. It’s okay to take risks, but too many at once is a recipe for disaster. If you don’t normally wear high heels and heavy earrings, for example, wearing them together once or twice won’t help them feel like you. As always, be yourself, and be comfortable with yourself. Secondly, try to bring the shoes, undergarments, and anything else you’re able to bring that you plan to wear on your wedding day to your dress fitting. You won’t know how everything fits together until you see and feel it for yourself. A change in heel size or undergarment material between fitting and ceremony will be noticeable to you, and the final result may contradict with what you’d envisioned at the fitting. Bring as much as you can together as soon as possible and see how it feels. Make sure that everything you plan to wear together works together, toward the vision of yourself you want to present.
Bringing It All Together
Seeing how everything comes together to create your perfect bridal aesthetic, it’s easier to understand how everything in a wedding combines to make the perfect day. In fact, the trends don’t change much between bridal styles and nuptial arrangements. More and more people are choosing personalization and experiences over uniformity and tradition. Unconventional venues like breweries or theaters that hold meaning, bold color themes that bring vibrancy and life, hybrid DJs to blend classic orchestras with contemporary beats, interactive aspects such as gelato carts or crafting stations to encourage guests to make their own memories, photography and videography focused on the day’s narrative instead of simply capturing highlights, private vow readings between bride and groom to share one final, intimate moment before becoming the center of attention. All of these things boil down to a balance between old and new, between personal and shared moments, between the small things and the narrative you choose to weave together.
The day is yours, and it takes more than just a dress to adequately define it.
